The Shugakuin Imperial Villa was built over more than three years in the mid-17th century by the Emperor Gomizunoo. Deftly making use of the slopes of Mt. Hieizan, the villa features upper, middle, and lower tea houses, and a large pond on top of the mountain. The villa and its gardens have a unique scale that transcends the usual concept of the Japanese garden, with terraced rice fields that are still being cultivated and a panoramic view of Kyoto from the top. The Shugakuin Imperial Villa is said to "capture alive" the "original" Japanese scenery, including scenes of farming. Moreover, the villa was not only for court nobles but also an area where townspeople could picnic. Capturing the special moments of each season, the program provides a dynamic picture of this imperial villa.